An update…

First, I know I still have three tutorials to go to finish off my office/guest/craft room makeover series. But they’re going to have to wait, for a couple reasons. I’m once again planning new camp crafts for a girls camp in mid-June. Rest assured that I’ll also blog about the crafts when I get back from camp.

A before…

Second, I’m pleased to announce my next room makeover! American Express has asked me to make over a social space using merchandise available through Membership Rewards points. I’ve been an AmEx cardholder for years, but I didn’t know that American Express launched Membership Rewards 20 years ago as a first of its kind program. Today it offers rewards from over 500 brands.

Best of all, Membership Rewards points don’t expire and you can redeem them for anything from gift cards to movie tickets to travel. Now I buy everything with my credit card (and pay it off monthly, of course) to take advantage of the rewards.

For this assignment, I chose to makeover my dining room. If you can call this small space a “dining room.” It’s more of an eat-in kitchen, but it’s all I’ve got, so we’ll go with it. I chose this space because what’s more social than food? (Well, aside from the supposed social lubricant known as alcohol.) When I entertain friends, we often end up congregating (if not sitting) at the dining table.

UPDATE: I forgot to mention that the makeover includes the space where the credenza and mirror are now. I’m treating the two separate spaces as one big entertaining area.

Unfortunately, BCRM (Before Craft Room Makeover) this room saw more crafting than entertaining, and the wear and tear has taken its toll on my dining table. So, I’ll need to address the table problem. And the dated lighting problem. And the lack of space problem. And I wouldn’t call it a problem because I love the Memphis Belle painting that my father gave me, but I think it’s time to move the old war bird to a different room.

While I have definite plans for this space, some details are up in the air. So I’m asking for your thoughts. What do you think I should do with this space? I’ve got 150,000 points to spend at MembershipRewards.com. Take a look and give me your best suggestions. Keep reading to find out what’s in it for you!

Next week I’ll let you in on my plans and begin the transformation. Once again, my brother Troy and his handy skills will help make my designs a reality. After all, I have camp crafts to finish in the meantime! What would I do without him? Then, the following week will be the big reveal, and you’ll get a chance to win a $100 Home Depot gift card from American Express!

An after…

Last week, Better Homes and Gardens invited me to attend a webcast preview of their newly redesigned website. As a long-time reader of the magazine, I agreed out of pure curiosity. BHG’s redesign didn’t disappoint. As a former designer for Real Simple, I love seeing how the uncluttered, fresh, Real Simple look continues to influence nearly all other women’s magazines. And it works. Heck, I’m unapologetically influenced by that look myself.

Being a home blogger, I naturally gravitate toward home-decor photos and DIY ideas, so BHG’s bigger photos, better slide shows, and the ability to save your favorite articles are all big plusses. I also love the new “plant quick find” and “recipe quick find” search boxes. You can search the latter for a recipe using ingredients you have on hand. Brilliant.

One more feature makes me jealous: Readers can upload their own photos. Considering the time it takes me to update my own reader gallery, this would be lovely on Crafty Nest.

…And a giveaway

Finally, just for attending their webinar, BHG gave me five 1-year subscription giveaways ofBetter Homes and Gardensmagazine for my readers. So here’s how you win a subscription: Leave a comment on this post with your best idea(s) for making over my dining area. I’ll choose five winners at random to receive a BHG subscription. Plus you’ll be eligible to win the $100 Home Depot gift card in a couple weeks. So gimme your best shot. The deadline is in one week—Friday, May 27, 2011. Good luck!

This post is sponsored by American Express. I received compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.

Steph said,

What do you think about white floor to ceiling curtains with a white drop table (so it’s roomier when you’re not entertaining). And a medium to large white pendant lamp, mid-century style like your credenza in the other room.

I’d also get a really large, ornate frame & paint that a bright accent color, like yellow or peach, & Frame a cool line drawing in the frame.

Allison said,

I would change out the light and add a cute chandelier in its place. And possibly where the microwave stand is, build a low row of shelves across that wall where nothing really is to maximize the space. You could slide small baskets on the shelves to hold stuff like fabric napkins.

Austina said,

Elegant wallpaper in damask or even stencil the wall with a geometric pattern in white and navy blue, paint the table white to match the chairs, continue the wood flooring into the dining area, so it you you can tell its one space and not separate. Ceiling to floor curtains. love the framed mirror. Just some ideas:)

Trinity said,

I searched Amazon for banquette seating and think that’s the perfect place to start if you want to turn dinning into a more social area whir still using it for dining functions. If you don’t find banquette seating you like maybe try a small couch with a chaise on the right seat, then someone can sit at the end of the table in front of the window. I also think you could put a bar height small table with funny storage and two bar stools where the buffet is, if you need additional seating.

Anna said,

I love the idea of creating a long bench along the wall instead of using the chairs that went with your table. You could make it in a size that could easily slide under the table and would allow more seating for your guests.

Susie said,

I’m thinking a window-corner banquette and maybe give the shared wall some fun color, wallpaper, or paint treatment? Plus a fun light fixture and some Flor tiles to mark out the space and warm it up. :)

Liz said,

I would store 2 of the chairs and switch to a bench that would fit nicely under the table. A drop leaf table or one with a leaf insert would offer more space, but if replacing the table isn’t an option I would refinish the top (coordinate with credenza perhaps) and paint the bottom either white or black. I would switch out the solid black curtains to a larger graphic print. I like the comment about adding storage shelves as well. Paint the chairs or recover to match/complement new curtains. Not sure about a light… Since the table may be against the wall and off center sometimes, a chandelier may look a little awkward…

It is a little hard only seeing part of the space, but I would start with clearing out the space including the hanging basket and the cart. I would change the curtains and paint and decoupage the upper area over the window. I believe less is more.

The painting on the wall I would replace with either of the following; three small art pieces or wall decor arranged with one up in the middle and two lower on both sides with space in between. However, I can also see a larger piece of metal wall decor on that wall.

You mentioned you are redoing the table, I would paint the table white to match the chairs and put down a runner to add some color. I would also reposition the table so it can be more functional. I would either angle it in the center of the room or turn it the other way so it is off the wall.

I like white or beige as a wall color because if and when you decide to sell it will be easier for buyers to see themselves there. Color can be added in many ways as you know.

The area where the credenza is could use a splash of color with an area rug.

I can’t wait to see what your plans are.

Terri P. said,

I’d absolutely love chalkboard paint and would suggest trying to utilize that somehow in your makeover for a fun element. Also, I had a corner table and bench with 2 chairs that were part of an apt. I lived in years ago and I absolutely loved it. The seats of the benches lifted up for lots of storage underneath. Finally, your window is beautiful and you could do a lot with the wooden valence, such as stencil it, to make it stand out a bit more.

nelle said,

Marie P said,

I love the space, and would suggest sheer curtains, while bringing the curtain rod up to the ceiling. Also, having a round pedestal table might anchor the room, without blocking access to the kitchen. I think it will be wonderful, what ever you do…all great ideas here!

Evelene Sterling said,

I would make a window seat bench from where the microwave sits to the end of the window wall. Make the table a round table dark wood like the credenza. I would punch up the table wall with a pretty fabric that goes with your living room & kitchen decor. Put up the fabric with starch so that you can remove it to update it or change fabric with the seasons. Hang new curtains from the ceiling to the window ledge. A new hanging light would add punch. I like the chalkboard suggestion but I would make it in a large frame and frame it like your mirror above the credenza (brings the two rooms together) and hang it where the print is now. The floor covered in Flor carpeting tiles would make the space more of a designated dining room area and less kitchen. I think with the window seat and the round table you will have the social space you need to entertain guests.

Carrie said,

Evelene suggested a window seat bench and I really like that idea. The bottles are pretty…how about playing up those colors? Maybe with Medi colors mixed in? The chairs are ok but definately need the seat covers perked up. I love the chalk paint idea for the table. Hide the microwave. Add some fun!!

Anna said,

I’m jumping on the breakfast nook band wagon – love it! Maybe some bright colored pillows/cushions and roman shades so the curtains are out of the way but up to date. I love chalk paint but I think it might be a bit too dark for your space – maybe a light green or blue instead?

I’m imagining a crisp white canvas with opaque rosey/orange drapery reaching up to the ceiling. Maybe a bold, geometric rug. That corner looks like it could be a great place to put a built-in bench. I LOVE benches in the dining area.